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Coconut Oil and The Core Pore Question

I've had a couple of questions about coconut oil and its comedogenic properties.

Comedogenic / Noncomedogenic – in plain English Please

If something will clog pores, it is described as comedogenic. If something will not clog pores, it is described as noncomedogenic.

This may sound pretty straightforward, but there is room for misunderstanding.

For Example When it is Purposefully Created

I've seen the term noncomedogenic used as a marketing tool – splashed across a glitzy ad for a cosmetics product in big letters. It does sound reassuring, don't you think?

'This product is 100% noncomedogenic'.

Wow.

Advertising a product as noncomedogenic really makes it sound like that product has been tested in advanced laboratories by serious scientists and that their advanced and serious test findings are being quoted in this informative ad. Some of these ads are so cleverly worded that they leave you with the impression that using this noncomedogenic product will magically unclog pores and make acne disappear.

Fact: noncomedogenic products do not unblock pores. Neither do they reduce acne.

I've tried, but I haven't been able to find a single clinical trial on the pore-unblocking abilities of noncomedogenic ingredients – anywhere. If you know of one, please do enlighten me.

Back to The Coconut

Coconut oil is categorized as comedogenic. The categorization alone is enough to cause worry to the point of panic in some.
'Is it safe to use on my skin?'
'Will it make blackheads appear all over my face if I include it in a DIY cleansing bar?'
'I've never had acne but I'm afraid I might get it if I use coconut oil' etc etc.

Fact: a comedogenic ingredient will not instantly clog the pores of anyone who uses it.

So What are the Risks?

The risks of using a comedogenic ingredient are: a greater likelihood of experiencing clogged poresif you have a tendency to get clogged pores in the first place.

Now, I'm not saying to throw all caution to the wind and go crazy with coconut oil if you have a tendency to get clogged pores. I'm just saying you may not have to be quite as worried about it as you may have thought.

As For Me

I have used cleansing bars with coconut oil on my face daily for weeks with no clogging whatsoever. But that's me. I don't have a tendency to get clogged pores.

I think it is also about the amount used. People act as if they are just going to go all gung ho and slather oil all over their faces. A reasonable amount should never hurt you in the first place. But once people think something is good for them, they began to think more is better when in these cases, less is more.

Question, if coconut oil is comedogenic and can clog pores(if the user is prone to clogged pores on their skin), can the same be expected when using coconut oil in hair care ? For example, on the scalp, since the scalp skin closely resembles skin on the rest of the body ? I remember I used coconut oil on my scalp and my hair didn't react positively like others and my facial skin does have a tendency to clogged.

OOh I love this input Simply Marvelous Hair Care! You have a very interesting question (and answer), and you have officially started me on a more in-depth investigation into skin vs hair. I've noticed many of my own products are equally good for skin and hair. Maybe it is the same for other brands as well. :)

I use pure organic coconut oil directly on my face as a moisturizer and it has COMPLETELY shrunk my pores in the process though my intentions were just to rid myself of dry skin. It's completely changed my complexion with no clogging